TEAN: Chiang Mai - Summer in Thailand

Getting lost with a friend in the Old City at 3 in the morning, but not feeling scared at all because Chiang Mai is really safe, was not only an adventure but also a memorable experience because...
V. Moore

Location

Thailand: Chiang Mai

Program Summary

Spend a summer in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand known for its temples, enduring traditions, jungle-covered mountains, hill tribe villages, magnificent elephants and sizzling street food. This intensive multi-disciplinary summer program is not only of interest to students in Asian studies but also those interested in globalization, democratization, gender and sexual identity, fine arts, human rights, migration, Southeast Asia and economic development. The program will allow students to get a better understanding of Thai and Southeast Asian culture and how their own academic interests play out in the region. Students will have the unique opportunity to customize their summer experience in the region by selecting an elective in their academic discipline or personal area of interest. Based in Chiang Mai University, the program can be taken as a three-week or seven-week experience.

Program Summary

Spend a summer in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand known for its temples, enduring traditions, jungle-covered mountains, hill tribe villages, magnificent elephants and sizzling street food. This intensive multi-disciplinary summer program is not only of interest to students in Asian studies but also those interested in globalization, democratization, gender and sexual identity, fine arts, human rights, migration, Southeast Asia and economic development. The program will allow students to get a better understanding of Thai and Southeast Asian culture and how their own academic interests play out in the region. Students will have the unique opportunity to customize their summer experience in the region by selecting an elective in their academic discipline or personal area of interest. Based in Chiang Mai University, the program can be taken as a three-week or seven-week experience.

Program Highlights

Spend the summer in Chiang Mai, a charming town filled with local festivals, varied nightlife, bustling markets, delectable cuisine and a lively music scene.

Study at the well-respected Chiang Mai University for three weeks or seven weeks to earn 3-6 academic credits and gain a deeper understanding of Thai and Southeast Asian culture.

Connect with the university and student community, while also experiencing course content brought to life through a variety of included program field trips.

Live off campus in modern student apartments, just a five-minute walk from campus, and receive support from TEAN’s Chiang Mai Resident Director and other in-country staff throughout the summer.

10/ 10

Submitted by
Sophia Maicki -
East Lansing, MI United StatesMichigan State University| December 14, 2017

My experience with The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) was nothing short of phenomenal. I got to interact with elephants, hike on Thailand's tallest mountain, snorkel, and live with a host family in a village, all while studying at a Thai University. The food was incredible, and the culinary options were diverse. Being in Thailand taught me patience, and to not sweat the small stuff. The Thai's have a saying "mai pen rai" meaning "no worries". While I was abroad, I learned to go with the flow and to enjoy life without expectations. I also gained a new-found sense of self confidence. In Thailand, I learned to go out and do things on my own. By the end of the trip, I was not only more confident in being a solo traveler, but also in enjoying myself without needing confirmation from others.

The TEAN staff were helpful, generous, and supportive not only in the preparations leading up to my trip, but during, and even after the program had ended. They answered all of my questions, and helped me to fulfill all of my goals that I had for my study abroad experience.

Spending the summer in Chiang Mai Thailand was one of the best decisions I could have every made. I worked as a teaching artist and administrative assistant for the organization Arts Relief International. I was connected with them through TEAN. They were so helpful in connecting me with this internship. It was 100% the best placement for me and truly changed my life. I had the opportunity to teach art classes to underserved populations living in and around Chiang Mai and they were all so so so wonderful. I will never forget my time abroad and the lessons I learned.

Overall Rating

10/ 10

Academics

10

Living Situation

10

Cultural Immersion

10

Program Administration

10

Health & Safety

10

Community

10

Taking in Thailand

Submitted by
M -
San Luis Obispo United StatesCalifornia Polytechnic State University| September 14, 2017

I chose to study abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand for three weeks and am very happy I did so! Chiang Mai is such a fun and lively place that's also wonderfully located near mountains! I love the outdoors and felt very content in Chiang Mai with plenty of opportunities to hike and search for waterfalls. Traveling across the world can seem intimidating but is completely worth it and the program I chose definitely helped! TEAN answered all my questions and helped to thoroughly prepare me to take on this adventure. From packing to cultural tips I felt fully supported by TEAN staff and was able to have a blast with my fellow TEAN program students. I took a SouthEast Asian Art History class and was able to learn a ton about Thai art and culture through that. We went on field trips and presented on art we visited which made learning that much more interesting. One of the best part of the trip was when TEAN sent us to the Elephant Nature Park! I am forever grateful for my study abroad experience and have gained a whole new confidence in myself after doing so. If you're interested in taking a trip, wherever it may be, look TEAN up!

I absolutely loved my time studying in Thailand with TEAN! I had no clue what to expect when it came to the culture that I would be immersed in, although I was ready to dive right in. TEAN was the perfect program for this because I had the opportunity to live with a Thai roommate, who I learned a lot about Thai culture and society from. The class I took had a balance between material learned in a typical class setting and also included excursions that take place outside of class. I feel as though I got the perfect holistic experience of Thailand through the combination of my class, Thai roommate, and living in Chiang Mai. The extracurricular activity I partook in, which was a nature hike through the jungles of northern Thailand, was the best hiking experience I have ever had. For months after, I have been longing to make a return back to Thailand because of these experiences. Thank you TEAN for the best summer of my life!

Overall Rating

10/ 10

Academics

9

Living Situation

10

Cultural Immersion

10

Program Administration

9

Health & Safety

10

Community

10

Best Experience Ever!

Submitted by
Ronit Dastidar -
Tampa University of Florida| August 20, 2015

The Chiang Mai summer program provided the perfect introduction to studying abroad. The TEAN staff and professors were extremely helpful in helping us adjust to a totally new culture. Additionally, the group of students that I traveled with was absolutely amazing; I've made life-long friends from all around the US.
TEAN was really helpful in our pre-planning, arrival in Chiang Mai, and setting us up at CMU and Uniloft. We had three representatives present in Chiang Mai, who we could call if we ever needed anything. All logistical items were handled before we even got there, so our transition was very smooth.
Our housing was spectacular, probably better than at my home university. We lived at Uniloft, which is a hybrid dorm/apartment student-living complex that is only a 5 minute walk from the university's back gate. The complex has a great location and awesome amenities; there's 2 swimming pools, study rooms, multiple ATMs, gym, laundry service, and a 7-11. There's so many bars, restaurants, and cafes nearby (even a cat cafe!); street food stalls are a three minute walk away and stay open till 2am! We shared a room with our Thai roommate. The size of the rooms are large enough, and you can close off your door for privacy. The private bathrooms are western-style and very clean. Overall, Uniloft is the perfect place for students.
I was really happy with how the program encouraged us to get a more authentic experience. By rooming with Thai students, we were able to learn about their favorite places to eat, local nightlife, resources on campus, how to stay polite in social interactions, and fun places to hangout. I had a great time touring the country with my roommate and was honored when he took me to his hometown to meet his family. The program really shows you the breadth of Thai society and culture. In class, we studied topics ranging from history to Buddhism, which were able to apply by visiting local temples, landmarks, and NGOs. By far, my favorite part was the Thai village home-stay. By living in a village for several days, we saw a totally different side of Thailand, the hardworking life of the rural populations. Overall, this program definitely integrated us well. By the end, we were able to speak some phrases in Thai and advise other travelers about their plans and more.
Chiang Mai is super safe! There was NEVER a time that I felt unsafe. Uniloft has multiple security guards that patrol the building 24/7, so nothing ever happened there. CMU also has its own security team to patrol campus. Around the city, there's nothing really to look out for. Everyone is really nice and minds their own business. During the day, we often broke off into small groups or even individually to tour the city and nothing ever happened. At night, we never got into any trouble either, even when we would come back from a night out at like 4am. Overall, Chiang Mai is extremely safe. The living accommodations are out of the old city, which is a more touristy area and has the potential for more crime (even though nothing ever happens). Just take the same precautions you do when you are your home university; stay in groups, don't walk alone at night, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Overall Rating

10/ 10

Community

10

Health & Safety

10

Program Administration

10

Cultural Immersion

10

Living Situation

10

Academics

10

One of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

Submitted by
V. Moore -
University of Kentucky| September 25, 2014

Getting lost with a friend in the Old City at 3 in the morning, but not feeling scared at all because Chiang Mai is really safe, was not only an adventure but also a memorable experience because it made us extremely close.

I chose this program because it was beneficial to me in terms of graduation and my own personal desire to learn more about my country and heritage.

I lived in a dorm that was located right behind the school gates, on a street that had basically everything a student would need: a general store, a 7-11, restaurants, street food vendors, and inexpensive taxis that could take us into the city centre.

Overall Rating

10/ 10

Academics

10

Living Situation

10

Cultural Immersion

10

Program Administration

10

Health & Safety

10

Community

10

A Brilliant Experience

Submitted by
Vanda Moore -
University of Kentucky| September 25, 2014

Studying abroad with TEAN in Chiang Mai was seriously one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. The staff were helpful in making sure I got everything together in order to go, and the teachers at the university were very enthusiastic with their subject and made my learning experience very interesting and rewarding. Chiang Mai is a beautiful city filled with beautiful people, culture, and history that I was so happy to be a part of for 6 weeks. During my time there we were given meal allowances, taken on excursions, and coffee dates. They did a really good job at taking care of us students and making us feel as comfortable as possible during our time in Chiang Mai. I would most definitely do this again if I could, and I would recommend it as a great program for anyone who wants to study abroad in Southeast Asia for the summer.

Social Life:
While there I made friends with the people in my program, all of our Thai roommates, and other people who were travelling around Thailand at the time. I met a lot of people from many countries such as Canada, Ireland, and Zimbabwe; it was really fun to come into contact with so many individuals.

Zoe's In Yellow is THE place to be, by the way, if you want to dance, have fun with friends, and meet people. :)